clippings calendar: This Week’s Must-See Shows in NYC

Whoa, man. Who has a purse full of gummybears, a soft spot for riesling and is super excited to see Sara Watkins live for the first time? Duh. Me. The fiddling singer plays City Winery on Saturday with the highly-praised Bhi Bhiman opening. If you haven’t picked up Watkins’s latest album, Sun Midnight Sun, prioritize it. It contains some of my favorite songs of the year so far, including “Lock and Key” and the inspiring “Take Up Your Spade,” which I tend to listen to almost every morning for a healthy dose of inspiration. For me, however, the most resonating track is “When It Pleases You,” with lyrics that are blunt and haunting and paired with a production that separates it from the rest of the album. Wakins recently performed it on The Late Late Show. Watch it below.

Also, Langhorne Slim at Bowery on Thursday will be a must-see. Caveat: any ladies with ambitions of backing Slim into a corner to sing a private rendition of “On the Attack” as you cry into your sleeve, line forms behind me.

Also also of note (busy week here) is the previously mentioned Spirit Family Reunion album release show for No Separation, which takes place Friday night at Mercury Lounge. Come support these folkers – we love them.